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DEMOREST, GA - The Christopher Newport University men's basketball team returned to action following a 15-day layoff, and defeated Piedmont College Friday afternoon, 94-70. The Captains and Lions combined to sink 24 three-point field goals in the game, with 20 coming in the first half.

"We had to shake off some rust, but we got the job done," Head Coach John Krikorian said following the win. "We knew it might take a bit to get back into the flow following our long break for finals, but once we did we really did some good things."

CNU held a 7-point lead at the half, 50-43, following a back-and-forth opening half. The Captains built a lead of as many as 14 in the second half before the Lions pulled to within eight, 78-70. Christopher Newport then scored the final 16 points of the game during the final five minutes to pull away to the 24-point victory.

"The way we finished was really important," Krikorian continued.. "We are going to see these guys again at the Freeman Center (December 29th in the Captains Shootout) and it was good to pull away like that. They're a good team, and this was a good win."

The Captains were 10 of 20 from beyond the arc for the day. CNU committed only 9 turnovers to Piedmont's 20.

Senior guard Conley Taylor (Newport News, Va.) led the Captains with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Mike Cherry (Lewiston, NC) made his first start and responded by scoring 20 points, dishing out 6 assists, and making three steals.

"Mike really did a good job," Krikorian continued. "He's worked hard and gives us an added element. We need both Paul Meredith and Mike Cherry to run our team from the point."

The Captains improved to 5-3 on the season with the win. Piedmont falls to 2-6. The 14 three-point field goals made by the Lions set a new Piedmont school record. The Lions will become a USA South member next season.

CNU now leads the all-time series with Piedmont, 2-1.

Christopher Newport continues its Georgia trip on Sunday with a 2 p.m. game at LaGrange, another future member of the USA South.  Sunday's game will be broadcast live on the CNU/Pepsi Radio Network, Xtra 99.1 FM and online at  CNUsports.com.